Controller

Position Summary

JCC Association is seeking an experienced and highly collaborative Controller to join our Finance team during an exciting time of change and growth in the organization. We are seeking someone entrepreneurial who will roll up their sleeves, question existing processes, and create new systems and structures as we scale. The Controller will oversee accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance with nonprofit accounting standards (GAAP/FASB) and funder requirements, while playing a key role in shaping our financial infrastructure for the next stage of growth. This individual will be a key partner to the CFAO, providing financial information and insights leadership needs for decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Financial Operations

Oversee day-to-day accounting operations: general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, cash management, and bank reconciliations
Manage month-end and year-end close processes, with an eye toward continuously improving speed and accuracy as the organization grows
Ensure accurate coding and allocation of expenses across programs, grants, and funding sources (functional expense reporting)
Maintain the chart of accounts, and evolve it as new programs and funding streams come online
Financial Reporting & Compliance

Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements (Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Activities, Statement of Cash Flows, Statement of Functional Expenses)
Ensure compliance with GAAP and FASB nonprofit accounting standards
Coordinate and manage the annual audit and Form 990 preparation with external auditors/tax preparers
Grant & Restricted Fund Reporting

Track each gift over its full lifecycle — from initial pledge or award, through cash receipt, spend-down, and release from restriction — ensuring accurate treatment at each stage
Maintain detailed records of pledges receivable, cash received, and net assets released from restriction in accordance with donor and grantor stipulations
Monitor restricted fund balances against grant budgets and timelines to flag over/under-spending, expiring restrictions, or reporting deadlines
Partner with development/grants staff to reconcile gift records between fundraising systems and the general ledger
Ensure timely and accurate release of temporarily restricted net assets as donor-imposed conditions or time restrictions are satisfied
Budgeting & Analysis

Support the annual budgeting process across departments and programs
Provide variance analysis (budget-to-actual) and financial insights to leadership and program managers on a monthly basis
Monitor cash flow and forecast financial needs, especially as revenue sources and program scope shift
Internal Controls & Risk Management

Design, implement, and maintain internal controls to safeguard organizational assets
Ensure segregation of duties and adherence to financial policies and procedures
Proactively identify gaps in current processes and build scalable solutions rather than patching around them
Manage banking relationships, and compliance with state filing requirements
Team Leadership & Systems

Lead, manage, and develop accounting staff of three professionals
Optimize the use of our ERP and other systems to support a growing organization
Train non-finance staff on budget management and expense coding as needed

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
7-10 years of accounting experience, including 2+ years in a supervisory or controller-level role
Strong knowledge of nonprofit fund accounting, GAAP, and FASB standards
Experience with restricted/unrestricted fund accounting
Proficiency in accounting software (Sage Intacct, or similar)
Advanced excel skills
A track record of building or improving financial systems and processes, not just running existing ones
Comfort with ambiguity and shifting priorities in a fast-paced, growing organization
Proven ability to independently own and sustain rigorous restricted fund/gift-lifecycle accounting

Preferred

CPA or CMA certification
Prior nonprofit sector experience, especially during a period of organizational growth or scaling
Experience managing external audits and Form 990 preparation

Key Competencies

Entrepreneurial mindset — sees ambiguity as an opportunity to build, not an obstacle
High attention to detail and accuracy, even when moving quickly
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Passion for automation and continuous improvement
Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders
Integrity and discretion with confidential financial data
Comfort working in a mission-driven, resource-conscious, fast-moving environment

Qualified candidates will participate in a multi-stage interview process:

First-round virtual interview via Zoom.
Subsequent interview rounds conducted in person at JCC Association's Midtown Manhattan office.